Rate My Professor Kevin Corns

Kevin Corns serves as Associate Professor of Aerospace and Unmanned Aircraft Systems Program Coordinator in the Department of Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University. Holding a Ph.D., he joined MTSU in 2016 and leads the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Operations concentration, approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents in 2015. This program offers concentrations in UAS Technology and UAS Operations, providing students with hands-on training in drone operations, remote sensing, and certification preparation, including the FAA Remote Pilot Certificate through courses like AERO 2710 and AERO 3731 Unmanned Remote Sensing Lab. Corns has facilitated innovative learning during challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic by adapting UAS labs for virtual and practical engagement. He directs multidisciplinary efforts, including high school camps on digital agriculture integrating drones and data science, and LiDAR surveys for historical site documentation at Camp Blount.

Corns contributes to UAS research and education through publications and grants. He co-authored the open educational resource 'REMOTE PILOT Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Knowledge Test Study Guide' with Collin McDonald for MTSU's sUAS certification courses. His peer-reviewed work includes 'A Comparison of the Strengths and Weaknesses of Small-Format Aerial Photography Platforms' published in the International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace in 2018, as well as contributions to studies on crew resource management for large UAS and comparative learning outcomes in traditional versus online UAS courses in 2024. He participated in securing a $750,000 USDA grant for the Tennessee Digital Agriculture Center, enhancing youth education in STEM fields via UAS applications on the MTSU Farm. Corns secured FAA partnerships elevating MTSU's UAS program and supports university initiatives, including EXL awards, sustainable campus renewable energy projects, and service on the Graduate Council, Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, and other standing committees. His leadership advances UAS integration in agriculture, environmental monitoring, and aviation psychology applications.